13/04/2025

MOTORING XVI ON SUNDAY APRIL 13, 2025

Aston Martin Valhalla nears final validation

Icon set to return

ASTON MARTIN has officially released on-road images of the Valhalla as it nears the final stages of validation ahead of its production launch in the second quarter of 2025. Currently undergoing rigorous testing both on road in the UK and on-track near Barcelona, the mid-engined hybrid supercar is being fine-tuned to ensure exceptional performance in real-world con ditions. The Valhalla has been seen in two striking liver ies – Podium Green with Lime Green accents and Verdant Jade with Valkyrie Gold – while being put through its paces at the Idiada proving ground in Spain. The car is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo flat plane crank V8, the most powerful V8 ever fitted to an Aston Martin, and is paired with three elec tric motors, allowing for plug-in hybrid capability and a dedicated EV driving mode. It also features Aston Martin’s all-new 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which incorpo rates an integrated e-Motor and an electronic rear differential for enhanced control and efficiency. As Aston Martin’s first series-production mid engined supercar and its first plug-in hybrid model, the Valhalla represents a groundbreaking step for the brand. Production of the Valhalla will be strictly limited to just 999 units, ensuring its exclusivity among high-performance supercars. As testing nears completion, anticipation contin ues to build for Aston Martin’s most advanced road-going machine yet, which is set to redefine the brand’s future in the high-performance auto motive landscape.

A compact storage compartment between the rear seats adds to the interior’s versatility. Unlike the Integra, which offers a third seat in the rear, the Prelude maintains a strict two-seat configu ration. While Honda has yet to release full technical specifications, Japanese reports indicate that the Prelude has a shorter wheelbase than the Civic, but features wider front and rear tracks. It also borrows high-perform ance components from the Civic Type R, including its adaptive dampers and dual-axis front sus pension, designed to enhance han dling precision. The driving modes have been expanded to include a GT mode, which complements the standard Comfort and Sport settings. As anticipation builds, enthusi asts await further details on the Prelude’s final specifications and market launch. Honda’s decision to bring back this legendary nameplate under scores its commitment to blending nostalgia with modern perform ance innovations. Prelude prototype with production ready interior unveiled

LOTUS has unveiled a refreshed model range for its all-electric Eletre hyper-SUV and Emeya hyper-GT, introducing a sim plified naming structure and updated trim levels that pay homage to the brand’s rich heritage. The restructured line-up aims to pro vide greater convenience, clarity, and personalisation for customers as they configure their ideal Lotus electric per formance car. Effective immediately, both the Lotus Eletre and Emeya will be available in either “600” or “900” variants, reflect ing the two available power output lev els. According to Lotus, the new naming convention is designed to help custom ers better identify and choose models based on desired performance and equipment. The 600-series Notably, Honda has confirmed that a manual transmission will not be offered. One of the Prelude’s standout HONDA has taken another step toward reviving the iconic Prelude, unveiling its near-production inte rior for the first time. First introduced as a surprise concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the Prelude captivated enthusiasts with its sleek coupe sil houette. While its cabin remained hidden behind blacked-out windows back then, Honda has now revealed a closer look at what buyers can expect. The Prelude’s cockpit carries a sense of familiarity, borrowing heavily from the Civic’s design. However, it lacks the latter’s signa ture continuous vent layout. In many ways, the dashboard bears a closer resemblance to the Acura Integra, another model that shares its mechanical underpin nings. Unlike the Integra and Civic, which use conventional automatic gear levers, the Prelude adopts a button-based gear selector.

features is its S+ mode, which enhances the simulated shifting characteristics of its eight-speed transmission. This system allows drivers to engage paddle shifters, delivering an experience similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N’s artificial gear box, though in this case, there’s a real internal combustion engine at work. Honda explains that the “S+ Shift” mode optimises engine RPM control during acceleration and deceleration, resulting in a sharper and more responsive drive. The driving experience is further enhanced by artificial engine sounds, which are pumped through the speakers. A recent video from a Japanese YouTuber provided a deeper look at the Prelude’s interior layout. The coupe features two rear seats, but the sharply sloping roofline restricts headroom in the back. However, Honda has compen sated for this with a practical approach – the rear seats fold nearly flat, and the Prelude’s hatch back-style trunk opening makes loading bulkier items easier.

Lotus revamps Eletre, Emeya line-Up

the same sprint in 4.5 seconds and reaches up to 256 kph. For those craving ultimate speed, the Emeya 900 and Eletre 900 offer breath taking acceleration times of 2.78 seconds and 2.95 seconds respectively, showcas ing Lotus’ continued commitment to high-performance electrification. With WLTP ranges of up to 610km for the Emeya and 600km for the Eletre, both vehicles are engineered not only for speed and agility but also for long distance practicality. In the UK, the Eletre 600 is priced from approximately £84,990 (RM515,000), while in Europe, it starts at around €99,990 (RM520,000). The Emeya 600 GT is priced from about €107,990 (RM565,000) in Eu ropean markets.

and interior elements. The Emeya follows a similar structure, although the base Emeya 600 is cur rently only available in the UK, while European markets begin with the Emeya 600 GT. The Emeya 600 is powered by a 102 kWh battery pack and sprints from 0 to 100kph in just 4.15 seconds, reaching a top speed of 250kph. The Eletre 600, with a slightly larger 112 kWh battery, completes

wheel drive, while the 900-series steps up to an electrifying 918hp for peak per formance. The Eletre range now consists of six distinct trim levels: the base Eletre 600, followed by the 600 GT, 600 GT SE, and 600 Sport SE. Topping the line-up are the high-per formance 900 Sport and the flagship 900 Sport Carbon, which adds light weight carbon fibre exterior

models deliver 612hp of power via dual motors and all